Engine Not Responding

[dstern350]

Greetings. I spent a bit of time searching before I posted this.

I have Bachmann Spectrum Diesel DCC engine (on channel 1)that was running fine, then started to act a bit erratic and now wont respond to any throttle commands. I have another DCC engine running on channel 3 that is running fine, and an old Bachmann DC engine on channel 10.

What steps do I take to troubleshoot? What are the possible issues?

 

[wright2626]

if it one with the mrc decoder, the decoder probably took a dump.

 

[dstern350]

Your response did something because it is working again. So I guess now I have an intermittent response. Same question - is this a maintenance issue? Do I need to clean the wheels to improve signal pickup?

 

[bobrstrong]

Greetings. I spent a bit of time searching before I posted this.

I have Bachmann Spectrum Diesel DCC engine (on channel 1)that was running fine, then started to act a bit erratic and now wont respond to any throttle commands. I have another DCC engine running on channel 3 that is running fine, and an old Bachmann DC engine on channel 10.

What steps do I take to troubleshoot? What are the possible issues?

I can't remember where I read it but I don't think your suppose to use the number 01 as an assignment for DCC. I beleive I read it would give problems. Also, DC should be on 00 not 10, at least thats the way it is on Digitrax.
Hope that helps.
Bob

 

[Cjcrescent]

Bob,

Sounds like he is using a Bachmann EZ-Command, which explains the "channel 1" and "channel 3" comments.

I would check the wheels for dirt, and then clean the track. If the track is dirty, cleaning the wheels alone won't help for long.

 

[bnsf971]

I had this issue with a Bachmann decapod, and I found the motor brushes weren't always touching the commutator. I stretched the brush springs slightly and had no more trouble.

 

[dstern350]

What is the best material to clean with? Alcohol or something else?

Thanks

 

[bigB]

Rubbing alcohol, paper towels, and elbow grease. Occasional Bright Boy eraser type abrasive tool for really tough spots. Done.

 

[rodney mcgiveron]

Alcohol

G'day....A friend of mine uses spray alcohol on a clean cloth for track cleaning and same product but uses a made up track jig and cotton buds to do the wheelsets...works a treat...Cheers Rod